Cornwall Airport Newquay (NQY/EGHQ) has unveiled three state-of-the-art aviation fire appliances, marking a significant upgrade to its rescue and firefighting service (RFFS) and a major milestone for UK airport infrastructure.
The arrival of the new vehicles represents a substantial investment in the airport’s safety and operational resilience. Among the new fleet is the 100th Rosenbauer Panther to be delivered in the UK and Ireland—a landmark achievement for both the Cornish airport and the manufacturer, Rosenbauer UK.
The new appliances replace the airport’s ageing Panther fleet, which has been in service since 2008 when the site transitioned from a military base to a civilian operation under the ownership of Cornwall Council.
Enhanced Capability and Technology
The next-generation vehicles are equipped with High Reaching Extendable Turret (HRET) technology, allowing crews to tackle fires from an elevated position and pierce aircraft fuselages if required. Each appliance has the capacity to carry 12,000 litres of water along with specialist firefighting foam.
Crucially for aviation safety standards, the new fleet is capable of reaching any point on the airport’s runway in under three minutes, ensuring the airport meets stringent rapid-response requirements.
Charles Dixon, Senior Airport Fire Officer at Cornwall Airport Newquay, commented: “These new Panthers represent a major investment in the safety and resilience of Cornwall Airport Newquay. They significantly enhance our ability to respond rapidly and effectively to any aircraft emergency, helping ensure the continued safety of passengers, crews and airport staff.”
A Move Towards Sustainable Operations
In addition to improved performance, the fleet is at the forefront of the airport’s decarbonisation strategy. All three vehicles will operate on Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) as part of a 12-month trial. The renewable fuel has the potential to reduce lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 90% when compared to traditional diesel.
Cllr Tim Dwelly, Cornwall Council Cabinet Member, added: “This investment underlines our commitment to the airport, which plays such a vital role in ensuring Cornwall’s connectivity and helping to unlock our economic potential. These appliances… also represent a step towards a greener and cleaner future.”
A Milestone for Rosenbauer
The delivery marks a “century” for Rosenbauer UK, highlighting the Panther’s status as a staple of British airport emergency services.
Ian Robertshaw, Managing Director of Rosenbauer UK, said: “Delivering the 100th PANTHER into the UK and ROI is a significant milestone for Rosenbauer… These vehicles represent the highest standards of performance, safety and reliability in airport fire operations.”
As a key hub for regional connectivity, Newquay supports a variety of commercial routes across the UK and Europe. It also serves as a critical base for essential services, including the Cornwall Air Ambulance and HM Coastguard search and rescue operations. This latest investment ensures the airport’s infrastructure remains future-ready as it continues to grow its passenger and operational footprint.
Discover more from UK Aviation News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
